Leo Warren Jenkins Papers, 1943-1980

Manuscript Collection #360

  • Descriptive Summary
     
    Title: Leo Warren Jenkins Papers
    Creator: Jenkins, Leo W. (Leo Warren), 1913-1989
    Repository: ECU Manuscript Collection
    Language: English
    Abstract: Personal files (1960-1978), including correspondence, clippings, reports, a manuscript, photographs, and miscellaneous.
    Extent: 4.0 Cubic feet,
  • Description
     

    Jenkins' correspondence is divided into political and personal. However, on some occasions, some topics of personal nature can be found in the political series, and political in the personal. See container list for more details. Early correspondence includes a look into many segments of Jenkins' life and activities. Included are photocopies of letters to son (Jimmy) while in military service (1944), letters concerning Jenkins’ partnership and assistance to The Methodist Church, and his work with the U.S. Marine Corps. Also present is communication between Jenkins and his former military colleagues. Other individuals represented in the correspondence include Dr. Robert Clothier, the president of Rutgers University, the Dean of Teachers College at Columbia University, and other university administrators commenting on the progress of East Carolina Teachers College (1950), as well as requesting Jenkins’ assistance with improving their state education systems. Of particular interest is one letter which concerns confusing media reports regarding the requirement in North Carolina for all teachers to be certified before hiring (1951). Jenkins responds back with an explanation of the system. Jenkins also received letters from past colleagues at Rutgers University and the University of Georgia System, including letters of recommendation for other positions. Other letters include those from Frank G. Clement, then governor of Tennessee, discussing religion (1953), and a Richmond, Virginia church bishop (1959). Included with this letter are minutes of The Official Board of the First United Methodist Church of Washington, North Carolina recommending the establishment of a two-year medical school at East Carolina College (ECC).

    Later correspondence is between Jenkins and various business, political, and religious organizations on both local and national levels. Highlights include Pepsi Cola sending a new advertising idea to Jenkins (1966), a press release regarding the death of Mrs. Leo Jenkins’ mother (1967), and Jenkins contemplation of running for state office in some capacity (the initial plan was for Robert Morgan to run for governor and Jenkins for lieutenant governor, 1971). Further correspondence concerns more political speculation by Jenkins for possible Democratic office, but with him stating that he is still not finished at East Carolina University (ECU, 1972), and a request for Jenkins to create a painting (1972).

    Other topics covered during this time period consist of the United States Information Agency, for which Jenkins continued working for as a consultant (1972), one of Jenkins’ books entitled Raise Your Own Kids, Jenkins’ offer to support Jim Hunt for North Carolina governor, further support of education, discussion of polls favoring a four-year medical school at ECU (1973) and Jenkins thanking the state convention for passing a resolution supporting the medical school.

    Final correspondence in the Jenkins papers relate to charitable donations and other types of assistance to ECU from various North Carolina businesses, including the Carolina Telephone and Telegraph Company. Also included with one letter is a copy of Jenkins’ opening remarks for the 1975-76 school year at ECU. Other correspondence of note discusses the marriage of Jenkins’ daughter (1976), a notice indicating nomination for the position of Chancellor of Higher Education in New Jersey (declines), sympathy for the death of Mrs. Jenkins’ mother (1977), signed letters from Senator Jesse Helms wishing Jenkins a recovery from a health issue (1977-78), Jenkins stating he is retiring and leaving for Atlantic Beach and his wife’s health problems (1978), announcement of a portrait to be done of Jenkins, and a photocopy of a letter from actor Alan Alda thanking Jenkins for his long service (1979).

    Also of interest is another letter from Jesse Helms and North Carolina Congressional Club member Thomas F. Ellis thanking Jenkins for attending and making a small speech at a dinner held in Greenville, North Carolina on April 20, 1979. Included with the letter is a sheet with numbered points of items for Jenkins to mention (in the speech) regarding Helms, as well as a flyer entitled "Come and Meet Jesse: Dinner With Senator Jesse Helms" describing the dinner which was to support (and sponsored by) the North Carolina Congressional Club, proclaimed as "North Carolina's Foremost Bi-Partisan Organization.” Other letters concern a recommendation by Jenkins for David B. Stevens, Jr. (former ECU attorney) for a pilot for Piedmont Airlines (1980), more recommendations made from the Office of the Governor, congratulation letters to elected politicians in North Carolina, and Jenkins’ participation in a rescue squad in Atlantic Beach.

    Printed materials consist of press releases and committee lists (most related to Jim Hunt), clippings discussing Jenkins’ possible run for governor and his work at ECU. Also included are speeches (many promoting Robert Morgan), certificates of achievement, television show transcripts promoting the growth of ECU, Bath, North Carolina Historical Commission documents, and North Carolina church publications. Military-related printed materials include certificates, original orders, and U.S. Marine publications. Audio and visual materials consist of a few sheets of positive proof sheet images featuring a public speaking event (undated) and Robert Morgan-related audio tapes of radio commercials (undated) and questions answered at ECU (1974). See container list for more details on the materials mentioned above.

  • Biographical / Historical Note
     

    Leo Jenkins was born in 1913 in Succasunna, NJ, where his father was employed by Standard Oil. Jenkins served as a Major in World War II where he saw action at Guadalcanal, Guam and Iwo Jima. For his military service, Jenkins received the Bronze Star and two Presidential Citations. He married the former Lillian Jacobsen of Lavallette, N.J., and they had six children, James, Jeffrey, Jack, Suzanne, Patricia and Sallie Jean. Jenkins received his B.S. degree from Rutgers University, his M.A. degree from Columbia University and his degree of doctor of education from New York University. He also participated in graduate study at Duke University in 1946. Jenkins started his career as a public school teacher in New Jersey, then later served as Dean of Somerville High School in that state.

    In 1947 Jenkins joined the faculty of East Carolina Teachers College, where he served as Dean until being elected as President of the college in 1960. He eventually was named Chancellor, and retired in 1978. During his tenure in both positions, he stood out as a great leader during a controversial and challenging period for the school. These issues included student enrollments doubling in number and expansion and restructuring of academic programs. Under Jenkins' leadership, great achievements occurred, including the granting of university status for the then-named, East Carolina College, the establishment of a medical school and school of nursing and the improvement of the school’s athletic program which culminated in the acceptance into the Southern Conference.

    Jenkins also served in many capacities for various educational associations, including the North Carolina College Conference, the cooperative of the State Board of Higher Education, North Carolina of the Southern Council on Teacher Education for the N.C. Parent-Teacher Association, the N.C. Education Association; Chairman of the committee, the State Advisory Council on Education, Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education and the North Carolina Association of Academic Deans. Throughout his career, Jenkins also published a vast amount of articles related to educational issues.

    Jenkins was also very active in local activities. This consisted of serving in various capacities with the Pitt County Red Cross chapter, the Greenville Recreation Commission, the Kiwanis Club, the Pitt County Polio Campaign and North State Little League baseball. The Leo Jenkins Cancer Center was also founded in his memory. Jenkins died in 1989.

  • Administrative Information
     
    Accessions Information

    April 19, 1978 2 cu. ft.; Personal files (1960-1978), including correspondence, clippings, reports, a manuscript, photographs, and miscellaneous. Donor: Dr. Leo W. Jenkins

    August 28, 1978 (addition 1), 2cu. ft.; Correspondence, clippings, memos, and miscellaneous. Donor: Dr. Leo W. Jenkins

    September 16, 1980 (addition 2), c.500; Papers (1943-1980), including correspondence, military files, a literary manuscript, photographs, and clippings. Donor: Dr. Leo W. Jenkins

    Acquisition Information

    Gift of Dr. Leo W. Jenkins

    Access Restrictions

    No restrictions

    Copyright Notice

    Literary rights to specific documents are retained by the authors or their descendants in accordance with U.S. copyright law.

    Preferred Citation

    Leo Warren Jenkins Papers (#360), East Carolina Manuscript Collection, J. Y. Joyner Library, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA.

    Processing Information

    Encoded by Apex Data Services

    Processed by Dale Sauter


Preliminary Inventory

Below is material taken from a preliminary inventory and represents content from the collection that is unprocessed.

  • Box 1
     
    Personal correspondence (1946-1949) 18 items
    Personal correspondence (1950-1959) 25 items
    Personal correspondence (1960-1969) 37 items
    Personal correspondence (1970-1974) 59 items
    Personal correspondence (1975) 22 items
    Personal correspondence (1976) 21 items
    Personal correspondence (1977) 18 items
    Personal correspondence (1978-1979) 51 items
    Personal correspondence (1980-1984) 26 items
    Personal correspondence (undated) 2 items
    Correspondence (1975-1977) regarding Pine Knoll Shores 5 items
    Correspondence (1959-1977) regarding the United States Information Agency, including Appointment Action contracts 16 items
  • Box 2
     
    Political correspondence (1960-1973) 74 items
    Political correspondence (1974-1976) 42 items
    Political correspondence (undated) 1 item
    Correspondence (1979) from John M. Belk to Leo Jenkins 1 item
    Correspondence (1965, 1972, 1978-1979) from Robert W. Scott to Leo Jenkins 4 items
    Correspondence (1977-1979) from Jesse Helms to Leo Jenkins 3 items
    Correspondence (1973) between James R. Sugg, Leo Jenkins, and John Lang, Jr. 7 items
    Correspondence (1955-1972) regarding "Raise Your Own Kids." Correspondence between Leo Jenkins and various editors regarding possible publication of Jenkins' manuscript. 46 items
    Correspondence (1973-1980, undated) between N.C. Governor Jim B. Hunt and Leo Jenkins 54 items
    Memorandum (1973-1980) from N.C. Governor Jim B. Hunt 17 items
    N.C. Governor Jim B. Hunt political material (1978-1979, undated) including news releases, contact lists, excerpts, speeches, and announcements. 12 items
    Robert Morgan radio interview (undated) on reel-to-reel tape from station WRNS Lenoir-Kinston. 1 item
    Robert Morgan cassette tape (4/18/1974) containing a question and answer session from students at East Carolina University. 1 Item
  • Box 3
     
    Robert Morgan for U.S. Senate Committee receipt books (1974) 4 items
    Robert Morgan political material (1972-1974, undated), including postcards, speeches, agendas, correspondence, financial reports, and memorandum. 9 items
    "Raise Your Own Kids" by Leo Jenkins manuscript (undated) 1 item
    "Raise Your Own Kids" by Leo Jenkins manuscript (1955) 1 item
    "Evaluating the Extra Curriculum in the Secondary School" by Leo Jenkins manuscript. 1 of 2. 1 item
    "Evaluating the Extra Curriculum in the Secondary School" by Leo Jenkins manuscript. 2 of 2. 1 item
    Correspondence (1944) from Leo Jenkins to family while in the U.S. Marine Corps. 17 items
    Political material (1972-1973, undated) regarding Leo Jenkins, and includes notes, news releases, contact lists, "Plan of Organization: Democratic Party of North Carolina" pamphlet, and speeches. 16 items
  • Box 4
     
    Speech (2/19/1972) by Leo Jenkins to 68th Bomb Wing Dining-Out Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, North Carolina. 1 item
    Submitted articles (1970) by Leo Jenkins for the ECU Report. 18 items
    Submitted articles (undated) by Leo Jenkins to various editors. 10 items
    Publications (1945-1973, undated), including magazine articles, journal articles, and newsletters. 29 items
    New releases (1968-1982, undated) regarding public service, political information, health, and East Carolina University. 10 items
    North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1978-1979) material, including meeting minutes, memorandum, correspondence, and contact and board lists. 6 items
    Carteret Historical Society (1978-1979) material, including speeches and correspondence. 3 items
    Agribusiness Council (1973-1974, undated) material, including pamphlets, certificate of incorporation, memorandum, and correspondence. 9 items
    International Association of University Presidents membership application and charter (1975). 1 item
    Historic Bath Commission (1976-1979, undated) material, including membership card, correspondence, membership list, and "Historical Highlights of Washington and Beaufort County, North Carolina: Bicentennial Edition 1776-1976" book. 16 items
    Carolina Charter Corporation (1977-1978, undated) material, including bylaws, membership list, and correspondence. 3 items
    Biographical information (undated) which includes information regarding education, military, membership and honors, publications, speeches, and church records. 3 items
    Television transcripts (1972) 12 items
    Financial information (1974-1980, undated) including receipts and bank statement. 4 items
    Religious material (1973-1977, undated) including clippings, church bulletins, correspondence, and articles. 16 items
    The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper (March 25, 1945). 1 item
    Notes (undated) that include a rehearsal list, telephone numbers, military information, and ephemera. 5 items
  • Box 5
     
    Political clippings (1966-1971) 90 items
    Political clippings (1972-1975) 127 items
    Political clippings (1976-1979, undated) 70 items
    Personal clippings (1955-1958) 4 items
    Personal clippings (1960-1969) 33 items
    Personal clippings (1970-1973) 64 items
    Personal clippings (1974-1977) 56 items
    Personal clippings (1978-1980) 45 items
    Personal clippings (undated) 21 items
  • Box 6
     
    Certificates (1960-1978, undated) given to Leo Jenkins regarding East Carolina University, Lambda Chi Alpha, state of North Carolina, state of New Jersey, and various organizations. 19 items
    Programs (1950-1975) for the Kenneth R. Williams Day, Young Democrat Roosevelt Dinner, Mt. Hermon Memorial Association, North Carolina Symphony Ball, UNC School of Medicine class of 1970, and the Chancellor's Bicentennial Concert. 6 items
    Miscellaneous (1962, undated) including menu for Eleventh Annual Security Caravan and playing card. 3 items
    Ephemera (undated) including an ECU and UNC bumper sticker and index cards displaying questions regarding law enforcement. 3 items

This page is only for requesting materials that you wish to view in person in the Reading Room at Joyner Library. It does not permit you to view the materials online or to request their photoduplication. If you would like to request materials for photoduplication, please visit our Copying and Permissions page.

Sensitive Materials Statement

Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, the North Carolina Public Records Act (N.C.G.S. § 132 1 et seq.), and Article 7 of the North Carolina State Personnel Act (Privacy of State Employee Personnel Records, N.C.G.S. § 126-22 et seq.). Researchers are advised that the disclosure of certain information pertaining to identifiable living individuals represented in this collection, without the consent of those individuals, may have legal ramifications (e.g., a cause of action under common law for invasion of privacy may arise if facts concerning an individual's private life are published that would be deemed highly offensive to a reasonable person) for which East Carolina University assumes no responsibility.

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Preliminary Inventory

  • Box 1
     
    Personal correspondence (1946-1949) 18 items
    Personal correspondence (1950-1959) 25 items
    Personal correspondence (1960-1969) 37 items
    Personal correspondence (1970-1974) 59 items
    Personal correspondence (1975) 22 items
    Personal correspondence (1976) 21 items
    Personal correspondence (1977) 18 items
    Personal correspondence (1978-1979) 51 items
    Personal correspondence (1980-1984) 26 items
    Personal correspondence (undated) 2 items
    Correspondence (1975-1977) regarding Pine Knoll Shores 5 items
    Correspondence (1959-1977) regarding the United States Information Agency, including Appointment Action contracts 16 items
  • Box 2
     
    Political correspondence (1960-1973) 74 items
    Political correspondence (1974-1976) 42 items
    Political correspondence (undated) 1 item
    Correspondence (1979) from John M. Belk to Leo Jenkins 1 item
    Correspondence (1965, 1972, 1978-1979) from Robert W. Scott to Leo Jenkins 4 items
    Correspondence (1977-1979) from Jesse Helms to Leo Jenkins 3 items
    Correspondence (1973) between James R. Sugg, Leo Jenkins, and John Lang, Jr. 7 items
    Correspondence (1955-1972) regarding "Raise Your Own Kids." Correspondence between Leo Jenkins and various editors regarding possible publication of Jenkins' manuscript. 46 items
    Correspondence (1973-1980, undated) between N.C. Governor Jim B. Hunt and Leo Jenkins 54 items
    Memorandum (1973-1980) from N.C. Governor Jim B. Hunt 17 items
    N.C. Governor Jim B. Hunt political material (1978-1979, undated) including news releases, contact lists, excerpts, speeches, and announcements. 12 items
    Robert Morgan radio interview (undated) on reel-to-reel tape from station WRNS Lenoir-Kinston. 1 item
    Robert Morgan cassette tape (4/18/1974) containing a question and answer session from students at East Carolina University. 1 Item
  • Box 3
     
    Robert Morgan for U.S. Senate Committee receipt books (1974) 4 items
    Robert Morgan political material (1972-1974, undated), including postcards, speeches, agendas, correspondence, financial reports, and memorandum. 9 items
    "Raise Your Own Kids" by Leo Jenkins manuscript (undated) 1 item
    "Raise Your Own Kids" by Leo Jenkins manuscript (1955) 1 item
    "Evaluating the Extra Curriculum in the Secondary School" by Leo Jenkins manuscript. 1 of 2. 1 item
    "Evaluating the Extra Curriculum in the Secondary School" by Leo Jenkins manuscript. 2 of 2. 1 item
    Correspondence (1944) from Leo Jenkins to family while in the U.S. Marine Corps. 17 items
    Political material (1972-1973, undated) regarding Leo Jenkins, and includes notes, news releases, contact lists, "Plan of Organization: Democratic Party of North Carolina" pamphlet, and speeches. 16 items
  • Box 4
     
    Speech (2/19/1972) by Leo Jenkins to 68th Bomb Wing Dining-Out Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, North Carolina. 1 item
    Submitted articles (1970) by Leo Jenkins for the ECU Report. 18 items
    Submitted articles (undated) by Leo Jenkins to various editors. 10 items
    Publications (1945-1973, undated), including magazine articles, journal articles, and newsletters. 29 items
    New releases (1968-1982, undated) regarding public service, political information, health, and East Carolina University. 10 items
    North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (1978-1979) material, including meeting minutes, memorandum, correspondence, and contact and board lists. 6 items
    Carteret Historical Society (1978-1979) material, including speeches and correspondence. 3 items
    Agribusiness Council (1973-1974, undated) material, including pamphlets, certificate of incorporation, memorandum, and correspondence. 9 items
    International Association of University Presidents membership application and charter (1975). 1 item
    Historic Bath Commission (1976-1979, undated) material, including membership card, correspondence, membership list, and "Historical Highlights of Washington and Beaufort County, North Carolina: Bicentennial Edition 1776-1976" book. 16 items
    Carolina Charter Corporation (1977-1978, undated) material, including bylaws, membership list, and correspondence. 3 items
    Biographical information (undated) which includes information regarding education, military, membership and honors, publications, speeches, and church records. 3 items
    Television transcripts (1972) 12 items
    Financial information (1974-1980, undated) including receipts and bank statement. 4 items
    Religious material (1973-1977, undated) including clippings, church bulletins, correspondence, and articles. 16 items
    The Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper (March 25, 1945). 1 item
    Notes (undated) that include a rehearsal list, telephone numbers, military information, and ephemera. 5 items
  • Box 5
     
    Political clippings (1966-1971) 90 items
    Political clippings (1972-1975) 127 items
    Political clippings (1976-1979, undated) 70 items
    Personal clippings (1955-1958) 4 items
    Personal clippings (1960-1969) 33 items
    Personal clippings (1970-1973) 64 items
    Personal clippings (1974-1977) 56 items
    Personal clippings (1978-1980) 45 items
    Personal clippings (undated) 21 items
  • Box 6
     
    Certificates (1960-1978, undated) given to Leo Jenkins regarding East Carolina University, Lambda Chi Alpha, state of North Carolina, state of New Jersey, and various organizations. 19 items
    Programs (1950-1975) for the Kenneth R. Williams Day, Young Democrat Roosevelt Dinner, Mt. Hermon Memorial Association, North Carolina Symphony Ball, UNC School of Medicine class of 1970, and the Chancellor's Bicentennial Concert. 6 items
    Miscellaneous (1962, undated) including menu for Eleventh Annual Security Caravan and playing card. 3 items
    Ephemera (undated) including an ECU and UNC bumper sticker and index cards displaying questions regarding law enforcement. 3 items

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